Phil Heath Dismisses Masters Olympia Speculation – But Hints at Coaching a Familiar Rival
Seven-Time Mr. Olympia Clears Up Comeback Rumors & Has Words for Kai Greene
Phil Heath has no plans to return to the competitive stage, but he may be stepping into a new role within the sport. With the resurgence of the Masters Olympia, fans have been abuzz with speculation about which legendary bodybuilders might make a comeback. Given Heath’s seven Sandow trophies, many wondered if he’d throw his hat into the ring in the Masters division. However, he recently put that speculation to rest during a conversation with four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler on the Cutler Cast podcast.
“I’m not gonna compete. There’s no Masters Olympia for me.”
For those who were eager to see The Gift return under the spotlight, this news might come as a letdown. However, Heath isn’t walking away from bodybuilding entirely. Instead, he’s teasing a new venture—coaching. And his first potential client? None other than his fiercest former rival, Kai Greene.
Phil Heath Discusses Masters Olympia & The Evolution of Bodybuilding
Heath isn’t alone in reflecting on the evolution of professional bodybuilding. During his discussion with Cutler, he delved into the changing competitive landscape, drawing comparisons between different eras—from the golden age of Kevin Levrone and Flex Wheeler to the era of Dexter Jackson and Cutler himself.
“The talent pool is just different now. You’re not gonna see another Ramy, he’s probably not gonna compete anymore, right?”
Despite acknowledging the significance of the Masters Olympia’s return, Heath made it abundantly clear that he has no desire to compete again. His final Olympia appearance was in 2020, where he secured a third-place finish behind Big Ramy and Brandon Curry. Though he’s remained dedicated to training, he hasn’t shown any interest in launching a comeback.
Heath to Coach Kai Greene? “I Might Do It”
While a return to competition is off the table, Heath may still play a pivotal role in shaping another competitor’s comeback. He hinted at the possibility of coaching Kai Greene—the same man who gave him some of his most grueling battles on the Olympia stage.
“I might train Kai, though. I’d do it. We gotta work on his posing,” Heath teased.
Greene, who has repeatedly teased a potential return to the stage, playfully responded online, joking that he’d be the one coaching Phil instead. Could this mean a Masters Olympia face-off is brewing, or is this just lighthearted bodybuilding banter?
For fans who followed the sport in the early 2010s, the Heath vs. Greene rivalry was the defining storyline of Olympia weekends. After placing third in 2011, Greene finished as the runner-up to Heath for three consecutive years (2012-2014), igniting one of the most heated rivalries in bodybuilding history. Their battles weren’t just about sheer muscle mass—they were clashes of personality, showmanship, and unshakable confidence.
Even today, Heath can’t resist taking friendly jabs at his former adversary. When asked about their relationship at the 2025 Arnold Sports Festival, he jokingly suggested that they could have shared a speaking panel—if Kai wasn’t “too salty” to sit next to him.
Will Phil Heath Return to the Olympia Stage?
While a Masters Olympia appearance is off the table, could Heath return to the Olympia stage in a different capacity? Coaching Greene could be just the beginning of a new chapter in his bodybuilding legacy.
One thing is certain—fans aren’t ready to close the book on the idea of a Heath comeback. Whether he transitions into coaching, commentary, or expands his presence in the bodybuilding business, his impact on the sport remains undeniable.
Would you want to see Phil Heath coach Kai Greene? Or should both legends make one final push for Olympia gold? Drop your thoughts below!
